NSW Businesses recognised for outstanding workplace safety

NSW Minister for Finance and Services Minister Andrew Constance has commended businesses who were recognised as part of the 2013 WorkCover NSW SafeWork Awards.

The Minister said eight awards were presented to five businesses and three individuals for their outstanding contribution to work health and safety and return to work at a ceremony in Sydney on Thursday 31 October.

“This year’s Awards have seen a range of innovative and common-sense solutions to unique workplace safety challenges, where the majority have resulted in significant reductions in lost-time injuries,” Mr Constance said.

“Safety should remain a number one priority in every business and I congratulate the winners for sharing their achievements with their industry peers.”

Some of the initiatives acknowledged during the event were the development of cut-resistant gloves, web-based solutions to hazard management and industry alliance projects.

“Many of the safety and return to work initiatives acknowledged at the Awards have the potential to be rolled out across other businesses and industries,” Mr Constance said.

During the Awards ceremony, volunteers Geoff and Karen Wicks, were honoured for their commitment to helping the community understand the potential dangers of asbestos as part of their travelling educational road show with ‘Betty’ The ADRI House’.

The winners were selected from a group of 21 finalists chosen from more than 140 entries.

In the past decade, more than 50 awards have been handed to businesses from a range of industries across metropolitan and regional NSW as part of the annual WorkCover NSW SafeWork Awards program.

“In addition to saving lives and reducing injuries, safe workplaces make for more productive workplaces so it’s in everyone’s interest to invest in work health and safety,” Mr Constance said.

“WorkCover and the NSW Government remain committed to working closely with industry and business to continue to develop safety solutions that will drive down injury rates across the State.”